Thursday, August 18, 2016
New ETA for Tiki Blue 2:30 pm RYC
Straight from the Warlords mouth. They are looking forward to land, Family and Friends! 2:30pm at RYC C12.
Gary Troxel
Gary Troxel
Tiki Blue arrives today around ?
Looks like Tiki Blue and crew will arrive today at RYC around 1pm. They are about 30 miles out sailing in light winds however I expect they will start motoring soon if they have fuel. When they get to the Golden Gate Bridge I will send out an alert which will be a 1 hour notice of arrival. Come on down and great the salty sailors who have been at sea for 18 days! Yeeehaaa!
Gary Troxel
Gary Troxel
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
When will Tiki Blue Arrive?
Good question Tiki Blue Pac Cuppers. The Warlord is is either very focused on grib files or trying to get the sat phone connected to the sextant to communicate. As soon as I get word on ETA to RYC I will post it immediately. It looks like they are approximately 120 miles out. If it is in the weee hours then I will make sure to be at the Club to let fans and family in to great and celebrate their successful pacific crossing home to San Francisco and home port of Richmond Yacht Club the best club east of KYC! Aloha for now Capt'n Gary.
Monday, August 15, 2016
Blog Post 8-15-16 Monday
Current position 0800HST: 38-19, 132-32 heading 071m @ 7.09knts winds 16 - 20knts
473nm to go!
Racer Woooben is definitely keeping our brains in the game for getting home. Key is to keep the boat moving as fast as possible while not falling too fast towards the GG. The past few days have been uneventful with Andy's creative cooking, Wooben's trimming and the Warlord navigating. We've only seen a few tankers go by...one at night at some distance and the other just now a little closer heading north. Its always fun to watch them...mainly to not get too close and the other just to wonder what they could be carrying and where they're going. At night, lights are deceiving, but from them you can usually tell which way they are heading and some idea of the size.
We're expecting to land some time morning of 8/18 Thursday unless we can pick up some speed along the way. Gale force winds have been predicted along the coast (coming from the north), but that's not expected until Wednesday (according to Jim Antrim). The 3 boats heading to Victoria are already seeing some of it. Other boats have already finished with others to finish early this week.
Our Sat phone had been unreliable the past few days, so Andy took a look at the connection to the boat, bent something, filed something else then reattached with duct tape. Voila! we now have a connection. Way to go Andy. Nota Bene was nice enough to send out the daily report last night since none could be sent. Hopefully we're back at it for this evening's roll call.
Weather is definitely chilly and cloudy with lumpy seas. Typical as you approach our coast. The crew has already started wearing long johns and some foulies at night. tonight should be a few more layers.
Tiki Blue putting the pedal to the fiberglass to get home!
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473nm to go!
Racer Woooben is definitely keeping our brains in the game for getting home. Key is to keep the boat moving as fast as possible while not falling too fast towards the GG. The past few days have been uneventful with Andy's creative cooking, Wooben's trimming and the Warlord navigating. We've only seen a few tankers go by...one at night at some distance and the other just now a little closer heading north. Its always fun to watch them...mainly to not get too close and the other just to wonder what they could be carrying and where they're going. At night, lights are deceiving, but from them you can usually tell which way they are heading and some idea of the size.
We're expecting to land some time morning of 8/18 Thursday unless we can pick up some speed along the way. Gale force winds have been predicted along the coast (coming from the north), but that's not expected until Wednesday (according to Jim Antrim). The 3 boats heading to Victoria are already seeing some of it. Other boats have already finished with others to finish early this week.
Our Sat phone had been unreliable the past few days, so Andy took a look at the connection to the boat, bent something, filed something else then reattached with duct tape. Voila! we now have a connection. Way to go Andy. Nota Bene was nice enough to send out the daily report last night since none could be sent. Hopefully we're back at it for this evening's roll call.
Weather is definitely chilly and cloudy with lumpy seas. Typical as you approach our coast. The crew has already started wearing long johns and some foulies at night. tonight should be a few more layers.
Tiki Blue putting the pedal to the fiberglass to get home!
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Blog Post 8-4-16 Sunday
Current Position: 1047 HST 38-39, 135-16 course 088m @ ~7knts cloudy with light winds
602NM!
not sure when this will reach everyone. We continue to have spotty sat phone coverage. Is there something going on in the world that all satellites have been diverted to watch? Our buddies on Nota Bene (the Warlords former boat) have a pac modem that links to the SSB and allows them access when the sat phones are non responsive. we asked them last night to send a text message to Betty Gray letting race committee know that things are fine out here, but sat phones are unreliable.
At any rate, boats are now letting us know when their ETA is expected. Some of the bigger boats are now in such as Pyewacket and Rio. We think Tiki J is back at Coyote Point and some of the Santa Cruz 50s should be arriving some time Monday. The expected coastal winds of 20 - 30 knots are now being reported as 10 - 15knts. The direction on our 4 day old grib files show the winds aft of beam...which makes for easy sailing. We're hoping to get updated gribs soon since weather can change rapidly. The 3 boats heading to Victoria are talking about a weather System coming from Alaska. That should not effect us at this time, but its interesting to note.
Last night's watch was uneventful with clouds and occasional gusts to 20 knots app. My watch settled down nicely while it sounds like the guys decided to reef the main and roll in the jib some. They saw lights off in the distance which shows we're getting closer to shipping lanes. But, all in all a quiet evening.
We're now down to the freeze dried foods Andy got off of one of the short-handed boats. All you have to do is add hot water and before you know it you can have oatmeal with blueberries or peaches and mac nuts or any flavor of veges and couscous - thai, curry, or alfredo noodles. By adding some of our meat we still have on board provides a very nutritious and filling dinner. Woooben (as the Warlord likes calling Ruben) is a big time sailor and always looking for ways to cut down on weight and prep time for food. especially important for short handed sailing.
Today should be another quiet day of reading and rest. All anticipating our arrival under the Gate.
Tiki Blue Standing By...
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602NM!
not sure when this will reach everyone. We continue to have spotty sat phone coverage. Is there something going on in the world that all satellites have been diverted to watch? Our buddies on Nota Bene (the Warlords former boat) have a pac modem that links to the SSB and allows them access when the sat phones are non responsive. we asked them last night to send a text message to Betty Gray letting race committee know that things are fine out here, but sat phones are unreliable.
At any rate, boats are now letting us know when their ETA is expected. Some of the bigger boats are now in such as Pyewacket and Rio. We think Tiki J is back at Coyote Point and some of the Santa Cruz 50s should be arriving some time Monday. The expected coastal winds of 20 - 30 knots are now being reported as 10 - 15knts. The direction on our 4 day old grib files show the winds aft of beam...which makes for easy sailing. We're hoping to get updated gribs soon since weather can change rapidly. The 3 boats heading to Victoria are talking about a weather System coming from Alaska. That should not effect us at this time, but its interesting to note.
Last night's watch was uneventful with clouds and occasional gusts to 20 knots app. My watch settled down nicely while it sounds like the guys decided to reef the main and roll in the jib some. They saw lights off in the distance which shows we're getting closer to shipping lanes. But, all in all a quiet evening.
We're now down to the freeze dried foods Andy got off of one of the short-handed boats. All you have to do is add hot water and before you know it you can have oatmeal with blueberries or peaches and mac nuts or any flavor of veges and couscous - thai, curry, or alfredo noodles. By adding some of our meat we still have on board provides a very nutritious and filling dinner. Woooben (as the Warlord likes calling Ruben) is a big time sailor and always looking for ways to cut down on weight and prep time for food. especially important for short handed sailing.
Today should be another quiet day of reading and rest. All anticipating our arrival under the Gate.
Tiki Blue Standing By...
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My contribution to the Pac Cup Men
To all the wonderful men and women who brave the mighty Pacific in boats.
I'm blessed to have been invited to share in this huge adventure. [TWICE//// Do U Believe he asked me again?? Yahoo]
Cheers to all the Pac Cup Crowd..
I offer My sincere thanks To all the wives Who have allowed these crazy
budgets to be spent, all in the name of comradely and adventure..
My contribution after many days at a 24 degree heel.
Just doing the math for the big #1
It occurred to me at the banquet dinner. I was lucky to be sitting between Jack and Trav Vetter. I was dumbfounded
by the lengths and math" invented" to decide who gets a bowl as opposed to a clock.
Now on to the math of a more serious dilemma. You women must sit always, so there's is less drama in your daily routine.
But, To stand or sit to pee. That is the Question.
The height of the man in question is the first variable. Lets call that the X factor..
Picture us Standing with the door open, and one foot in the hall, head wedged against the mirror,
this is where the math takes hold.. The difference in inches between the top of the bowl, and the angle of the dangle
varies greatly, especially when it gets colder. I calculate that the bowl is about 14.65 inches in width. making the proper degree of slope about 24 degrees. Port and /or stbd. The error factor should be easier to calculate, but NO.. Have you ever seen a stream of liquid bend into a 80 degree arc? And then Jibe to the other board, with absolutely zero warning, before you can correct? It isn't pretty.. Our invention would amount to Just a little tubing, and some carefully shaped receiver.
I therefore suggest that the Pacific Club YC, as a fund raiser, invent and patient a variable height suction device added to the current required plumbing equipment. Add it to the current inspection lists. Then promote the War lord the main inspector General for this critical new safety equipment. I'm sure he will assign me the task. Many Slips and falls could be avoided, plus the daily lectures from our Captain.
Submitted for your perusal
Andy T Return team member for Tiki Blue
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I'm blessed to have been invited to share in this huge adventure. [TWICE//// Do U Believe he asked me again?? Yahoo]
Cheers to all the Pac Cup Crowd..
I offer My sincere thanks To all the wives Who have allowed these crazy
budgets to be spent, all in the name of comradely and adventure..
My contribution after many days at a 24 degree heel.
Just doing the math for the big #1
It occurred to me at the banquet dinner. I was lucky to be sitting between Jack and Trav Vetter. I was dumbfounded
by the lengths and math" invented" to decide who gets a bowl as opposed to a clock.
Now on to the math of a more serious dilemma. You women must sit always, so there's is less drama in your daily routine.
But, To stand or sit to pee. That is the Question.
The height of the man in question is the first variable. Lets call that the X factor..
Picture us Standing with the door open, and one foot in the hall, head wedged against the mirror,
this is where the math takes hold.. The difference in inches between the top of the bowl, and the angle of the dangle
varies greatly, especially when it gets colder. I calculate that the bowl is about 14.65 inches in width. making the proper degree of slope about 24 degrees. Port and /or stbd. The error factor should be easier to calculate, but NO.. Have you ever seen a stream of liquid bend into a 80 degree arc? And then Jibe to the other board, with absolutely zero warning, before you can correct? It isn't pretty.. Our invention would amount to Just a little tubing, and some carefully shaped receiver.
I therefore suggest that the Pacific Club YC, as a fund raiser, invent and patient a variable height suction device added to the current required plumbing equipment. Add it to the current inspection lists. Then promote the War lord the main inspector General for this critical new safety equipment. I'm sure he will assign me the task. Many Slips and falls could be avoided, plus the daily lectures from our Captain.
Submitted for your perusal
Andy T Return team member for Tiki Blue
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Blog Post 8-13-16 Saturday
Current position @0800 HST: 39-12, 138-50 motor sailing 082m winds 12 - 14knts
742nm to go!
now we start the countdown of the miles to home...and a REAL shower. Re-entry is always difficult...we've been so out of touch with what's going on in the world except what we hear at roll call and from emails from the guys' wives. kind of an alternate reality...would make a good Twilight Zone segment (for those of you old enough to remember). Since my bunk is in the middle of the salon, i usually awaken ~0700 to the cheery and bright-eyed face of the Warlord as he sits at the nav station. I'm gonna miss that. <sniff> the other thing about gaining one's land legs is the sensation that the floor is somehow moving...its not uncommon to misstep expecting the stable floor to lurch underneath you as on the water. The worst is being in the shower when you close your eyes and feel the rockin' and rollin'. Usually stops after a while.
We've been motor sailing for a few days now. Winds kicked up yesterday for a while and we got back to sailing. only for it to die at dusk, so we decided to furl the jib, center the main and turn the motor back on. <sigh> Fortunately, we are able to sail at the moment.
Andy treated us again to a tuna casserole from the tuna he caught the other day. Delise! My watch was relatively quiet, but the guys after me spotted a tanker off in the distance. Located more northeast of us (from the sounds of it). It's always fun to spot another ship and try to figure out by its lights which direction its heading, how large, etc it is. Our AIS still will not come up on our plotter, so its difficult for us to "see" exactly who the other boats around us are. We can transmit, but not received.
AIS is a signal unique to each boat that sends out the vessel name, type, length and other misc info about it. comes in handy when you see the lights off in the distance and you want to know what the heck it is. The same when some other boat sees us. This is something that must be installed on the boat. There is a transmitter and receiver piece. plus, i have an app on my iphone (Marine Traffic) that allows me to view all of the vessels world-wide. kind of cool. During ocean races, most boats turn theirs off so others won't know where they are...racing in stealth mode.
We're expecting a quiet, cloudy day of reading, napping and sailing.
Tiki Blue Standing by...
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742nm to go!
now we start the countdown of the miles to home...and a REAL shower. Re-entry is always difficult...we've been so out of touch with what's going on in the world except what we hear at roll call and from emails from the guys' wives. kind of an alternate reality...would make a good Twilight Zone segment (for those of you old enough to remember). Since my bunk is in the middle of the salon, i usually awaken ~0700 to the cheery and bright-eyed face of the Warlord as he sits at the nav station. I'm gonna miss that. <sniff> the other thing about gaining one's land legs is the sensation that the floor is somehow moving...its not uncommon to misstep expecting the stable floor to lurch underneath you as on the water. The worst is being in the shower when you close your eyes and feel the rockin' and rollin'. Usually stops after a while.
We've been motor sailing for a few days now. Winds kicked up yesterday for a while and we got back to sailing. only for it to die at dusk, so we decided to furl the jib, center the main and turn the motor back on. <sigh> Fortunately, we are able to sail at the moment.
Andy treated us again to a tuna casserole from the tuna he caught the other day. Delise! My watch was relatively quiet, but the guys after me spotted a tanker off in the distance. Located more northeast of us (from the sounds of it). It's always fun to spot another ship and try to figure out by its lights which direction its heading, how large, etc it is. Our AIS still will not come up on our plotter, so its difficult for us to "see" exactly who the other boats around us are. We can transmit, but not received.
AIS is a signal unique to each boat that sends out the vessel name, type, length and other misc info about it. comes in handy when you see the lights off in the distance and you want to know what the heck it is. The same when some other boat sees us. This is something that must be installed on the boat. There is a transmitter and receiver piece. plus, i have an app on my iphone (Marine Traffic) that allows me to view all of the vessels world-wide. kind of cool. During ocean races, most boats turn theirs off so others won't know where they are...racing in stealth mode.
We're expecting a quiet, cloudy day of reading, napping and sailing.
Tiki Blue Standing by...
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Blog post 8-12-16 Friday
Current Position: 39-20n, 141-36w motor sailing 092M @ ~7knts flat, calm seas with light winds on the nose
Fish On!
To the crews delight, Andy landed a very nice tuna late yesterday. ~15lbs. It was quickly fillet'd and put in the freezer. Grilled fish tacos were on order for dinner with lots of menu suggestions for the remaining pieces. As we get closer to the coast, perhaps we'll catch salmon. Of course one cannot be too picky, but perhaps wishful thinking as to what we'll catch next.
We are on course for SF and the GG Bridge. We're watching our angle to make sure we do not come in too hot and have to fight our way back up the coast...i.e. 20 - 30 knts of wind in our face, bashing up the coast is not a pleasant experience. Owner Gary Troxel said he's seeing 20 - 30 knt winds for us in a few days. So, its critical to line ourselves up with that for a sailing angle that will allow us to scream into the Bonita Channel and home...without the crew screaming.
By now you're probably wondering how we manage to take a shower, change clothes and keep looking and smelling as sharp as possible. Well...i mentioned that we were conserving water. It is possible to take seawater baths, but then rinse off with fresh water. not wanting to use much tank water until we knew our exact arrival date meant no fresh water rinse. Sooo...that's why we bring tons of baby wipes on board. A baby wipe bath, a fresh change of clothes and Voila! Crew is looking and smelling pretty spiffy. Of course, hair is a different matter but then that's where a cool hat comes in to play. The guys don't need to worry so much and have offered to shave my head...I respectfully declined. Everyone's good about brushing their teeth. we also clean the cockpit every other day. Hygiene has not been an issue fortunately.
All systems are working marvelously on Tiki Blue. Which is a testament to Owner Gary on how well he maintains his boat. Only the tri-color at the top of the mast has quit working. a few nights ago it went on, flickered, then out. We're not willing to go up the mast to see what's going on...so at night we use other lights. All else is working as expected.
Tiki Blue standing By.
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Fish On!
To the crews delight, Andy landed a very nice tuna late yesterday. ~15lbs. It was quickly fillet'd and put in the freezer. Grilled fish tacos were on order for dinner with lots of menu suggestions for the remaining pieces. As we get closer to the coast, perhaps we'll catch salmon. Of course one cannot be too picky, but perhaps wishful thinking as to what we'll catch next.
We are on course for SF and the GG Bridge. We're watching our angle to make sure we do not come in too hot and have to fight our way back up the coast...i.e. 20 - 30 knts of wind in our face, bashing up the coast is not a pleasant experience. Owner Gary Troxel said he's seeing 20 - 30 knt winds for us in a few days. So, its critical to line ourselves up with that for a sailing angle that will allow us to scream into the Bonita Channel and home...without the crew screaming.
By now you're probably wondering how we manage to take a shower, change clothes and keep looking and smelling as sharp as possible. Well...i mentioned that we were conserving water. It is possible to take seawater baths, but then rinse off with fresh water. not wanting to use much tank water until we knew our exact arrival date meant no fresh water rinse. Sooo...that's why we bring tons of baby wipes on board. A baby wipe bath, a fresh change of clothes and Voila! Crew is looking and smelling pretty spiffy. Of course, hair is a different matter but then that's where a cool hat comes in to play. The guys don't need to worry so much and have offered to shave my head...I respectfully declined. Everyone's good about brushing their teeth. we also clean the cockpit every other day. Hygiene has not been an issue fortunately.
All systems are working marvelously on Tiki Blue. Which is a testament to Owner Gary on how well he maintains his boat. Only the tri-color at the top of the mast has quit working. a few nights ago it went on, flickered, then out. We're not willing to go up the mast to see what's going on...so at night we use other lights. All else is working as expected.
Tiki Blue standing By.
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Thursday, August 11, 2016
Blog Post 8-11-16 Thursday
Current position: 1100 HST 39-56, 144-28 motoring 092M @ 5.75 knots
Burn baby burn!
Since we're going through the pacific high at this point, with little to no wind, we've been motoring most of yesterday, last night and this morning. That's been the plan all along...to motor once the winds were lighter and when we were sailing slower than what we could motor. based on the number of gerry cans on board of fuel it looks like we planned on a lot. Looking at our current position in relationship to the wind and sailing angle to the coast, we are now on port tack (the opposite of where we've been the past 10 days). this is good news! The Warlord has lined us up perfectly with entry to the GG Bridge. eventually the breeze will fill, stop motoring and sail the course that will bring us home without so much as a fuss!
Anyone can track our progress on the Yellow Brick Tracker on the Pacific Cup website.
Tiki Blue seems to love her music with Hawaiian being the favorite during the day followed by opera at sunset. doesn't get any better than that! 4 tough sailors sitting quietly in the cockpit watching the sun being swallowed by the ocean while listening to Tosca, Lucia di Lammermoor, La Boheme, and Carmen. Wish I'd brought more!
We continue with our formal watch schedules at night: Pat 2000 - 2300; Ruben 2300 - 0200; Andy 0200 - 0500; Warlord 0500 - 0800. The daytime we switch off depending on who's not napping.
Last evening we were able to watch the almost 1/2 moon cast a brilliant orange shadow on the ocean as it set. Looked like a fireball on the horizon. We were also lucky enough to see the running lights of our buddy boat Nota Bene far off in the distance. This morning, no sign of them.
Andy treated all of us to pancakes this morning! A nice change of pace.
All as it should be on Tiki Blue!
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Burn baby burn!
Since we're going through the pacific high at this point, with little to no wind, we've been motoring most of yesterday, last night and this morning. That's been the plan all along...to motor once the winds were lighter and when we were sailing slower than what we could motor. based on the number of gerry cans on board of fuel it looks like we planned on a lot. Looking at our current position in relationship to the wind and sailing angle to the coast, we are now on port tack (the opposite of where we've been the past 10 days). this is good news! The Warlord has lined us up perfectly with entry to the GG Bridge. eventually the breeze will fill, stop motoring and sail the course that will bring us home without so much as a fuss!
Anyone can track our progress on the Yellow Brick Tracker on the Pacific Cup website.
Tiki Blue seems to love her music with Hawaiian being the favorite during the day followed by opera at sunset. doesn't get any better than that! 4 tough sailors sitting quietly in the cockpit watching the sun being swallowed by the ocean while listening to Tosca, Lucia di Lammermoor, La Boheme, and Carmen. Wish I'd brought more!
We continue with our formal watch schedules at night: Pat 2000 - 2300; Ruben 2300 - 0200; Andy 0200 - 0500; Warlord 0500 - 0800. The daytime we switch off depending on who's not napping.
Last evening we were able to watch the almost 1/2 moon cast a brilliant orange shadow on the ocean as it set. Looked like a fireball on the horizon. We were also lucky enough to see the running lights of our buddy boat Nota Bene far off in the distance. This morning, no sign of them.
Andy treated all of us to pancakes this morning! A nice change of pace.
All as it should be on Tiki Blue!
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Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Blog Post 8-10-16
Current position: 40-19, 147-32 motoring 90m at 5.6knts
Home James! or should i say "headed to the barn"
this is the moment we've all been waiting for...the winds to adjust enough so we can make our turn toward SF. as one knows sailing requires a bit of finesse, skill and good luck to use Mother Nature to an advantage. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Such is life! We had been taking advantage of the good winds during the trip by heading mostly north. only turning a bit east when the winds allowed. Plus, it was much more comfortable to crack off a bit and not point so much. After all we're cruising and not racing.
Our goal was to get to the Pacific high where the winds would be light enough for us to motor across going East. Once we pass the high, then winds would be more favorable (both angle and strength) to drive us directly to the GG Bridge. this year the high was WAY higher than in some years and the winds/waves stronger in the direction we wanted to sail. This required our more northerly route for so many days. finally late yesterday(?) we were able to sail AND head more east. Today, the winds lightened and we're motoring in the direction we actually want to go. So now we can say we're headed to the barn! Still close to 1,100nm to go, but at least in the right direction.
After our breakfast tacos and mangoes, we were treated to a pod of dolphin jumping and racing toward and around the boat. A spectacle to watch since this is the first wildlife, other than the crew and occasional bird, we've seen.
We seem to have plenty of food and water aboard and no shortness of humor and kidding around. Rockstar Ruben keeps us well trimmed and going fast; do anything Andy answers everyone's call for help and supplies great dinners; Pat works the daily roll call, breakfasts and blogging while the Warlord plots our next move.
All's good aboard TIKI Blue!
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Home James! or should i say "headed to the barn"
this is the moment we've all been waiting for...the winds to adjust enough so we can make our turn toward SF. as one knows sailing requires a bit of finesse, skill and good luck to use Mother Nature to an advantage. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Such is life! We had been taking advantage of the good winds during the trip by heading mostly north. only turning a bit east when the winds allowed. Plus, it was much more comfortable to crack off a bit and not point so much. After all we're cruising and not racing.
Our goal was to get to the Pacific high where the winds would be light enough for us to motor across going East. Once we pass the high, then winds would be more favorable (both angle and strength) to drive us directly to the GG Bridge. this year the high was WAY higher than in some years and the winds/waves stronger in the direction we wanted to sail. This required our more northerly route for so many days. finally late yesterday(?) we were able to sail AND head more east. Today, the winds lightened and we're motoring in the direction we actually want to go. So now we can say we're headed to the barn! Still close to 1,100nm to go, but at least in the right direction.
After our breakfast tacos and mangoes, we were treated to a pod of dolphin jumping and racing toward and around the boat. A spectacle to watch since this is the first wildlife, other than the crew and occasional bird, we've seen.
We seem to have plenty of food and water aboard and no shortness of humor and kidding around. Rockstar Ruben keeps us well trimmed and going fast; do anything Andy answers everyone's call for help and supplies great dinners; Pat works the daily roll call, breakfasts and blogging while the Warlord plots our next move.
All's good aboard TIKI Blue!
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Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Blog Post 8-9-16
Current position: 39-16, 150-32 speed 7.36knts course of 045M true wind speed 10 - 17 knts
fish - 1 mahi; glass balls - 0
we're experiencing spotty satellite coverage. no rhyme or reason or timing, but other boats are experiencing it as well. So our apologies if news is getting to you later than usual or not when expected.
It happens to all of us, can't escape it, the boat is humming along at 8 knots, healed at 20deg, slamming through the waves like a bunking bronco. its also o-dark 30...middle of the night, you're snug in your bunk wrapped in your sleeping bag and you've just found that comfortable spot wedged against a pillow to stop the rolling... when it hits you....you have to use the head. First you try to ignore it, fight it...but alas you have to get up. So, you find your flashlight, crawl out of bed and hope to find the hand holds on the boat to keep from stumbling. you manage to locate the head, but find you're heeled so much the door won't open while you're leaning and bracing yourself at such an angle. Then you manage to get inside this tiny pitch black box and try to maneuver yourself into the proper position. I say a little prayer that the toilet seat will hold for another week. Great, made it through the first part...now to collect myself and make it back to my bunk. Seems easier said than done...trying to get dressed while holding on for dear life. Finally you get yourself in a good position that allows you to open the door. Yeah, made it out in one piece. Then reversing your steps back to the bunk, trying to find that position that will make you comfortable. Success...I always feel a sense of accomplishment as i fall back to sleep...met the challenge for one more night!
Thought it was time to talk about our home on the water, Tiki Blue. She is a Beneteau 423, a beautiful, dark hull, 42 ft. cruising boat. Very comfortable with a nice v-berth with head, aft cabin for sleeping 2, aft head, and a settee that has been converted to 2 bunks, nav station where this computer is located along with other electronics and the switch panel (for managing boat systems). plenty of storage for water, food, snacks and a galley that would be the envy of any chef. When i was told the boat had a refrigerator AND freezer, i never imagined that they would both hold up as long as they have! refrigeration can and often breaks down, however, we've been able to preserve our fresh food for 8 days at sea. Quite an accomplishment! A huge thanks to owner Gary Troxel for allowing us to sail on such a gorgeous, comfortable and stable vessel.
The boat amenities have allowed us to have nutritious food: Breakfast consists of cheesy scrambled eggs, bacon or portugese sausage, grilled toast, oranges, coffee. Lunch is usually sandwiches with lunch meat, cheese, tomatoes, chips. Snacking all day on dried fruit, trail mix, pretzels. Andy is our master chef at dinner. We were treated to Kim Ickler's baked turkey that had been frozen since we left Hawaii, apricot couscous and pupuus of cheese and crackers or apples and peanut butter. Kim also sent us away with her homemade banana nut bread...such a treat this morning with breakfast. There is one last piece that has the Warlord's name on it. We plan to use up our fresh food as long as it lasts before getting into the canned and freeze dried stuff. Still trying for that elusive tuna!
Aloha!
Tiki Blue return Crew
----------
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fish - 1 mahi; glass balls - 0
we're experiencing spotty satellite coverage. no rhyme or reason or timing, but other boats are experiencing it as well. So our apologies if news is getting to you later than usual or not when expected.
It happens to all of us, can't escape it, the boat is humming along at 8 knots, healed at 20deg, slamming through the waves like a bunking bronco. its also o-dark 30...middle of the night, you're snug in your bunk wrapped in your sleeping bag and you've just found that comfortable spot wedged against a pillow to stop the rolling... when it hits you....you have to use the head. First you try to ignore it, fight it...but alas you have to get up. So, you find your flashlight, crawl out of bed and hope to find the hand holds on the boat to keep from stumbling. you manage to locate the head, but find you're heeled so much the door won't open while you're leaning and bracing yourself at such an angle. Then you manage to get inside this tiny pitch black box and try to maneuver yourself into the proper position. I say a little prayer that the toilet seat will hold for another week. Great, made it through the first part...now to collect myself and make it back to my bunk. Seems easier said than done...trying to get dressed while holding on for dear life. Finally you get yourself in a good position that allows you to open the door. Yeah, made it out in one piece. Then reversing your steps back to the bunk, trying to find that position that will make you comfortable. Success...I always feel a sense of accomplishment as i fall back to sleep...met the challenge for one more night!
Thought it was time to talk about our home on the water, Tiki Blue. She is a Beneteau 423, a beautiful, dark hull, 42 ft. cruising boat. Very comfortable with a nice v-berth with head, aft cabin for sleeping 2, aft head, and a settee that has been converted to 2 bunks, nav station where this computer is located along with other electronics and the switch panel (for managing boat systems). plenty of storage for water, food, snacks and a galley that would be the envy of any chef. When i was told the boat had a refrigerator AND freezer, i never imagined that they would both hold up as long as they have! refrigeration can and often breaks down, however, we've been able to preserve our fresh food for 8 days at sea. Quite an accomplishment! A huge thanks to owner Gary Troxel for allowing us to sail on such a gorgeous, comfortable and stable vessel.
The boat amenities have allowed us to have nutritious food: Breakfast consists of cheesy scrambled eggs, bacon or portugese sausage, grilled toast, oranges, coffee. Lunch is usually sandwiches with lunch meat, cheese, tomatoes, chips. Snacking all day on dried fruit, trail mix, pretzels. Andy is our master chef at dinner. We were treated to Kim Ickler's baked turkey that had been frozen since we left Hawaii, apricot couscous and pupuus of cheese and crackers or apples and peanut butter. Kim also sent us away with her homemade banana nut bread...such a treat this morning with breakfast. There is one last piece that has the Warlord's name on it. We plan to use up our fresh food as long as it lasts before getting into the canned and freeze dried stuff. Still trying for that elusive tuna!
Aloha!
Tiki Blue return Crew
----------
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Monday, August 8, 2016
Blog post 8-8-16
Current position: 37-09, 152-38 heading 032 deg mag @ 7.6 knts. true wind speed 13 - 18knts
We continue to clip along at a nice pace towards home. Able to keep sailing with only spurts of motoring in between. We're expecting to hit a no wind zone at some point so we can motor more easterly to get to the wind angle that will drive us to SF. At roll call, one of the return boats mentioned that the Weather Guy, Rick Schema, indicated the high would be moving South and East over the next few days. will be interesting to see how this affects our strategy. 3 of the boats are going to Victoria and had discussed via SSB going over the top of the high...they may not need to go as high as first predicted, but we'll see.
This is the most interesting part of the return. Most of us have been schooled on how to GET to Hawaii effectively (thanks to Stan Honey), but unless one has returned a boat to the mainland the rest of us don't realize that it is an art in itself. deciding which northern route to take, how far north is the high and a perceived cut over point to line yourself up with the mainland coast. And of course, this all changes depending on the whim of Mother Nature. Return boats always take along extra fuel for the inevitable no wind zones.
Sunday was a perfect day of sailing, blue water and white billowy clouds dancing across the sky. Still no fish...well a long skinny fish with big jagged teeth was thrown back. But, today is another day! We're also keeping a look out for any glass blue bulbs floating along...highly coveted for anyone sailing the ocean. we've seen green, red, pink rubber ones...a blue one was so convincing we chased after it just to be disappointed. Again, this is a new day!
Our only excitement was last night (always seems to happen at night) when we got a very strong wind change, then nothing. We rolled in the jib, centered the main and motored for several hours in a more easterly direction. Then the rain....always seems to happen at 0300. Finally at 0400 or 0500 (i was asleep), night watch was able to sail and once again found us hugging the port side of our bunks.
The crew has decided that after roll call and dinner that opera is the music of choice. as we watch the sunset, moon rise and listen to opera love arias we were treated to bursts of lightning that were way off to the west of us. Stunning none the less.
Tiki Blue
----------
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We continue to clip along at a nice pace towards home. Able to keep sailing with only spurts of motoring in between. We're expecting to hit a no wind zone at some point so we can motor more easterly to get to the wind angle that will drive us to SF. At roll call, one of the return boats mentioned that the Weather Guy, Rick Schema, indicated the high would be moving South and East over the next few days. will be interesting to see how this affects our strategy. 3 of the boats are going to Victoria and had discussed via SSB going over the top of the high...they may not need to go as high as first predicted, but we'll see.
This is the most interesting part of the return. Most of us have been schooled on how to GET to Hawaii effectively (thanks to Stan Honey), but unless one has returned a boat to the mainland the rest of us don't realize that it is an art in itself. deciding which northern route to take, how far north is the high and a perceived cut over point to line yourself up with the mainland coast. And of course, this all changes depending on the whim of Mother Nature. Return boats always take along extra fuel for the inevitable no wind zones.
Sunday was a perfect day of sailing, blue water and white billowy clouds dancing across the sky. Still no fish...well a long skinny fish with big jagged teeth was thrown back. But, today is another day! We're also keeping a look out for any glass blue bulbs floating along...highly coveted for anyone sailing the ocean. we've seen green, red, pink rubber ones...a blue one was so convincing we chased after it just to be disappointed. Again, this is a new day!
Our only excitement was last night (always seems to happen at night) when we got a very strong wind change, then nothing. We rolled in the jib, centered the main and motored for several hours in a more easterly direction. Then the rain....always seems to happen at 0300. Finally at 0400 or 0500 (i was asleep), night watch was able to sail and once again found us hugging the port side of our bunks.
The crew has decided that after roll call and dinner that opera is the music of choice. as we watch the sunset, moon rise and listen to opera love arias we were treated to bursts of lightning that were way off to the west of us. Stunning none the less.
Tiki Blue
----------
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Sunday, August 7, 2016
Blog Post 8-7-2016
Current position: 35-04, 153-38 heading 0000 deg mag @ 5.5knts with 13.5knts breeze
Saturday was a very laid back day...flat seas and little wind...no fish. However, we've taken the strategy to sail as much as possible, motor when we have to and follow the wind as it (hopefully) curves our route toward the mainland. Once the wind dies, then it will be easier to motor into the wind to try and catch the shift that is showing on our charts. We follow the grib files as well as the Warlord's experience to know what to do. with the boat sailing flatter, it was much easier to do cleanup chores around the boat.
Our music varies depending on who's iphone we're using. At sunset i tried some of my romantic opera arias I have and it went over better than i thought. Perfect for a sunset! There is always music that is appropriate for a certain time of day and sailing conditions. Maybe if we play heavy metal the winds will pick up?
So, I promised a little bit more about our crew. We're made up of Rockstar Ruben, Do Anything Andy, me (Pat), and of course the Warlord Dennis.
Rockstar Ruben is originally from South Korea. lives in Vallejo with his wonderful wife. Belongs to Vallejo Yacht club and has raced on large hot yachts like "Invisible Hand". How do we know he's a rockstar? By the cool gear he has! He did the Pacific Cup with 4 other guys on "Rufless" a melges 32. never before has a melges or Rufless crossed an ocean and by all accounts, given the conditions of this year's race, happy with their accomplishment! They own a Brewer 46 that they hope to move aboard and eventually go cruising. he previously owned a health benefits insurance agency, but sold it about the time Obama Care came in. Now he's really available to crew!!
Do anything Andy is true to his name. He will gladly do just about anything the Warlord throws at him. we're testing out his fishing expertise...he caught the first 15 lbs mahi and of course are asking for more! He and his wife live in Benecia. He started out in the navy, then fireman. now they own a construction company...however he says he now only takes the jobs he wants! He races beer can races with Jack Vetter out of Vallejo YC where he's a member and has done this return trip with Dennis before. Awesome guy to have around with his great sense of humor...did i mention he can cook?
What can be said about the Warlord? If you know him, then you know the name fits...if you don't it would take up too much space on this blog to explain! Best left to telling the tale at the bar. Just know that the Warlord is now on the warpath for getting us home. We've decided to limit him to 1 cup of coffee a day.
Since I'm writing this blog, i can say almost anything about myself...moved from Texas 1992 and did my first paccup 1994. member of Berkeley Yacht Club, on the board of the Pacific Cup from 1994 - 2014. Happily a Paccup Staff Commodore organizing our Safety at Sea Seminars every year. Have done this race 3 times and now I can say 1 delivery. i remember meeting Jack and Dennis at kaneohe the year they double-handed. Jack still remembers meeting me as they landed, walking up the rise at KYC and seeing me with a smiling face. As i recall, they needed it! Its spectacular being out on the open ocean with a great bunch of guys!
Tiki Blue is noe ka oe!
----------
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Saturday was a very laid back day...flat seas and little wind...no fish. However, we've taken the strategy to sail as much as possible, motor when we have to and follow the wind as it (hopefully) curves our route toward the mainland. Once the wind dies, then it will be easier to motor into the wind to try and catch the shift that is showing on our charts. We follow the grib files as well as the Warlord's experience to know what to do. with the boat sailing flatter, it was much easier to do cleanup chores around the boat.
Our music varies depending on who's iphone we're using. At sunset i tried some of my romantic opera arias I have and it went over better than i thought. Perfect for a sunset! There is always music that is appropriate for a certain time of day and sailing conditions. Maybe if we play heavy metal the winds will pick up?
So, I promised a little bit more about our crew. We're made up of Rockstar Ruben, Do Anything Andy, me (Pat), and of course the Warlord Dennis.
Rockstar Ruben is originally from South Korea. lives in Vallejo with his wonderful wife. Belongs to Vallejo Yacht club and has raced on large hot yachts like "Invisible Hand". How do we know he's a rockstar? By the cool gear he has! He did the Pacific Cup with 4 other guys on "Rufless" a melges 32. never before has a melges or Rufless crossed an ocean and by all accounts, given the conditions of this year's race, happy with their accomplishment! They own a Brewer 46 that they hope to move aboard and eventually go cruising. he previously owned a health benefits insurance agency, but sold it about the time Obama Care came in. Now he's really available to crew!!
Do anything Andy is true to his name. He will gladly do just about anything the Warlord throws at him. we're testing out his fishing expertise...he caught the first 15 lbs mahi and of course are asking for more! He and his wife live in Benecia. He started out in the navy, then fireman. now they own a construction company...however he says he now only takes the jobs he wants! He races beer can races with Jack Vetter out of Vallejo YC where he's a member and has done this return trip with Dennis before. Awesome guy to have around with his great sense of humor...did i mention he can cook?
What can be said about the Warlord? If you know him, then you know the name fits...if you don't it would take up too much space on this blog to explain! Best left to telling the tale at the bar. Just know that the Warlord is now on the warpath for getting us home. We've decided to limit him to 1 cup of coffee a day.
Since I'm writing this blog, i can say almost anything about myself...moved from Texas 1992 and did my first paccup 1994. member of Berkeley Yacht Club, on the board of the Pacific Cup from 1994 - 2014. Happily a Paccup Staff Commodore organizing our Safety at Sea Seminars every year. Have done this race 3 times and now I can say 1 delivery. i remember meeting Jack and Dennis at kaneohe the year they double-handed. Jack still remembers meeting me as they landed, walking up the rise at KYC and seeing me with a smiling face. As i recall, they needed it! Its spectacular being out on the open ocean with a great bunch of guys!
Tiki Blue is noe ka oe!
----------
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Saturday, August 6, 2016
Blog Post 8-06016
Current position: 33-26, 154-39 heading 010 deg @ 7.15 knots
Alls good on Tiki Blue! Yesterday gave us lighter winds from 13 - 15 knots, flatter seas (i.e. flatter boat) and steering 030 deg at 6.3 - 7 knots. Cooler day with the cloud cover, but still spectacular. Very uneventful. Ruben decided he didn't need the levitation the v-berth provided, so I took the make shift bunk in the main salon and he moved aft. Worked out great for both of us since there seemed to be more air in the main salon and Ruben got the stability he was looking for.
we cruised along last night with 13.5 knots of breeze and 7+ knots. Awesome evening with clear skies. the new moon rose early with a small star (Saturn, Mercury, Venus? - never could determine). As the moon set, we were treated to a mostly clear starry night with numerous shooting stars. No planetarium can create such a spectacular show. Its amazing how insignificant one feels on the vast ocean underneath a canopy of stars. Where one ends, the other begins. Since we're heading more north, we tend to face south while relaxing in the cockpit...so not familiar with the star formations from that perspective. But one is able to see the milky way and distant stars that we can't see due to the city lights.
At some point early this morning, the wind dropped but has now come back and we're moving again nicely toward the point where we can make the turn home. We continue to take daily reports of the rest of the return fleet with funny happenings and tall fishing stories. One boat lost their wind vane due to a resting Boobie while another reported they "didn't have time" to put on an auto pilot...hope he's treating his crew well for having to drive ALL the way back to SF.
With the lighter winds this morning, bacon and cheesy eggs were the order with scrubbing the deck and washing dishes. For those who don't know, fresh water is always conserved on these long distance cruises so sea water is used as much as possible for cleaning. Our crew is great and everyone pitches in. More about the crew tomorrow. The Warlord is doing great and keeping us going in the right direction.
Tiki is now clean, as are the dishes. Fishing has commenced and Andy promises tuna today.
Over and out,
Tiki Blue Crew
----------
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Alls good on Tiki Blue! Yesterday gave us lighter winds from 13 - 15 knots, flatter seas (i.e. flatter boat) and steering 030 deg at 6.3 - 7 knots. Cooler day with the cloud cover, but still spectacular. Very uneventful. Ruben decided he didn't need the levitation the v-berth provided, so I took the make shift bunk in the main salon and he moved aft. Worked out great for both of us since there seemed to be more air in the main salon and Ruben got the stability he was looking for.
we cruised along last night with 13.5 knots of breeze and 7+ knots. Awesome evening with clear skies. the new moon rose early with a small star (Saturn, Mercury, Venus? - never could determine). As the moon set, we were treated to a mostly clear starry night with numerous shooting stars. No planetarium can create such a spectacular show. Its amazing how insignificant one feels on the vast ocean underneath a canopy of stars. Where one ends, the other begins. Since we're heading more north, we tend to face south while relaxing in the cockpit...so not familiar with the star formations from that perspective. But one is able to see the milky way and distant stars that we can't see due to the city lights.
At some point early this morning, the wind dropped but has now come back and we're moving again nicely toward the point where we can make the turn home. We continue to take daily reports of the rest of the return fleet with funny happenings and tall fishing stories. One boat lost their wind vane due to a resting Boobie while another reported they "didn't have time" to put on an auto pilot...hope he's treating his crew well for having to drive ALL the way back to SF.
With the lighter winds this morning, bacon and cheesy eggs were the order with scrubbing the deck and washing dishes. For those who don't know, fresh water is always conserved on these long distance cruises so sea water is used as much as possible for cleaning. Our crew is great and everyone pitches in. More about the crew tomorrow. The Warlord is doing great and keeping us going in the right direction.
Tiki is now clean, as are the dishes. Fishing has commenced and Andy promises tuna today.
Over and out,
Tiki Blue Crew
----------
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Friday, August 5, 2016
8-05-2016 1034
Current Position: 31-28, 155-46 heading 348 degs @ 6.5 knots
Sorry its taken us so long to blog, but with the heavier seas and winds anywhere from 19 - 30 knots with rain at times...well you can imagine we've had our hands full. Today is the first day we actually don't have to crawl our way around the boat while being pinned to the port bulkhead. The best place to be is in the galley leaning up against the wall with the porthole open for fresh air. Plus there's food within easy reach. :-)
Sleeping has been a challenge with Ruben taking the v-berth...quite a challenge to stay on the bunk while the waves bounce the boat along. Its tough getting a comfortable position while the boat is severely healed and pins you to port. I have the bruises to prove it!
So far we've been able to have a few nice breakfasts on board of scrambled eggs and sausage with all the fixin's. Andy caught a 15lb mahi the other day and everyone enjoyed fresh sashmi last night. we plan to go for tuna next....or whatever the sea decides to give us.
Crew had mal de mere the first few days, but are now quite happy and going about our daily lives of navigating, eating, napping, and telling tall tales. We're now on a set watch schedule of 3 hours each at night. Evenings have been wonderful watching the night sky and the boat scooting along at a constant 7.5 knot with 18 knts of breeze. A few nights saw darker clouds and a bit of rain with wind...but nothing more than 23 knts. Thankfully any major squalls have been during the day with highest winds ~30 knts. It seems heading a bit northerly route has kept us out of the heavier rains that some other return boats are experiencing. its more comfortable for the crew and boat instead of trying to point higher. We had a nice lift yesterday that allowed us to steer 052 degs straight for SF! That wasn't to last since our strongest squall hit and we had to fall off to a more northerly route. at one point Warlord Dennis thought we should brush up on our Japanese since that's where were were headed.
We've been able to split duties between navigating, cooking, cleanup and watched. We're also the comms vessel for the return group. Not as serious as the racing crowd...we get everyone's position and how many fish were caught that day and what everyone was having for dinner. Quite a few mahis have been caught with a few boats catching tuna.
That's it for the past 4 days we've been at sea. Its just incredible seeing only blue ocean for miles and watching the waves go by. More later...
----------
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Sorry its taken us so long to blog, but with the heavier seas and winds anywhere from 19 - 30 knots with rain at times...well you can imagine we've had our hands full. Today is the first day we actually don't have to crawl our way around the boat while being pinned to the port bulkhead. The best place to be is in the galley leaning up against the wall with the porthole open for fresh air. Plus there's food within easy reach. :-)
Sleeping has been a challenge with Ruben taking the v-berth...quite a challenge to stay on the bunk while the waves bounce the boat along. Its tough getting a comfortable position while the boat is severely healed and pins you to port. I have the bruises to prove it!
So far we've been able to have a few nice breakfasts on board of scrambled eggs and sausage with all the fixin's. Andy caught a 15lb mahi the other day and everyone enjoyed fresh sashmi last night. we plan to go for tuna next....or whatever the sea decides to give us.
Crew had mal de mere the first few days, but are now quite happy and going about our daily lives of navigating, eating, napping, and telling tall tales. We're now on a set watch schedule of 3 hours each at night. Evenings have been wonderful watching the night sky and the boat scooting along at a constant 7.5 knot with 18 knts of breeze. A few nights saw darker clouds and a bit of rain with wind...but nothing more than 23 knts. Thankfully any major squalls have been during the day with highest winds ~30 knts. It seems heading a bit northerly route has kept us out of the heavier rains that some other return boats are experiencing. its more comfortable for the crew and boat instead of trying to point higher. We had a nice lift yesterday that allowed us to steer 052 degs straight for SF! That wasn't to last since our strongest squall hit and we had to fall off to a more northerly route. at one point Warlord Dennis thought we should brush up on our Japanese since that's where were were headed.
We've been able to split duties between navigating, cooking, cleanup and watched. We're also the comms vessel for the return group. Not as serious as the racing crowd...we get everyone's position and how many fish were caught that day and what everyone was having for dinner. Quite a few mahis have been caught with a few boats catching tuna.
That's it for the past 4 days we've been at sea. Its just incredible seeing only blue ocean for miles and watching the waves go by. More later...
----------
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Tuesday, August 2, 2016
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